Bill Gates on the Benefits of Biotech: It Does Compute

“To turn caring into action, we need to see a problem, find a solution, and deliver impact.”- Bill Gates

Bill Gates is a billionaire with a heart as big as his brain. He’s a computer geek turned philanthropist. So it’s fitting that Bill believes that technology can make a positive mark on the world. Bill and his wife, Melinda, started the Gates Foundation. Now they aim to use science and technology to tackle “the biggest barriers that prevent people from making the most of their lives.” They recognize biotech food as one technology with potential to improve human health and protect the environment.

Last week, the Wall Street Journal asked Bill about the backlash over his support of food biotechnology. He responded by highlighting some of the important environmental and health benefits.

He makes an important point: From an environmental perspective, we don’t have to demonize technology. We can use technology to improve agricultural processes and protect the environment. In fact, recent research shows that biotechnology has environmental benefits. With biotechnology, we’ve increased crop yields and decreased pesticide use.